Cash Carrying Limit During Election Code of Conduct: Check EC's Rules & Guidelines

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the commencement of polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha Election. Following this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced nationwide, with central agencies placed on high alert to ensure adherence to the guidelines. Vigilant measures are being taken to prevent any infractions, with a focus on monitoring the movement of cash, liquor, freebies, drugs, jewellery, and any other items that may potentially influence voters.

What is Election Model Code of Conduct & its period during Election 2024

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of rules issued by the Election Commission to ensure fair and free elections. It takes effect as soon as election dates are announced and continues until results are declared. The MCC outlines How Ministers from ruling parties should behave during its enforcement, and details the process for parties to file complaints with Election Commission observers in case of disputes. The MCC applies to all, including political parties and their candidates, aiming to prevent unethical practices, ensure a level playing field, and promote ethical conduct among political participants.

Election Commission Rules & Regulations for Carrying Cash and other items

Election commission of India (ECI) has announced the rules for individuals and political parties for carrying cash during the elections. This measure has been put in place to prevent the misuse of cash for electoral influence. These rules are given below:

Cash Seizure

• Individuals found carrying cash more than Rs. 50,000 or new items worth over Rs. 10,000 without supporting documents will be seized.

Authorised Currency Movement

• All movement of Indian currency or foreign exchange should be carried out by authorised personnel.
• Authorised personnel must carry supporting documents while moving the cash.

Requisition and Destination

• The movement of cash should be based on a requisition made by the receiver and should be directed to the address of the destination.

Recording of Cash Movement

• Cash being moved from the office/branch of the Authorised Person (AP) should only leave after being recorded in the books of accounts of the AP.
• Similarly, if the destination point of the currency movement is the office/branch of the AP, it should be recorded in the books of accounts of the AP on the same day or on the date of receipt.

Transfer of Foreign Currency

• Transfer of foreign currency between branches of the same AP should be accounted for as stock transfer and not as a sale to avoid double counting.

Sync Movement with Documents

• The movement of cash should be synchronised with the relevant supporting documents.

If the individual can provide valid documents and declare that the seized items are not related to the elections, they will be returned. Nevertheless, if the seized cash surpasses Rs 10 lakh, it will be forwarded to the Income Tax Department for additional scrutiny.

What happens after a seizure of cash during elections?

After the seizure of cash during elections, the following procedures are followed:

Deposition of Seized Amount

• The seized amount shall be deposited as directed by the Court.

Notification to Income Tax Authority

• A copy of the seizure of cash, in excess of Rs 10 lakhs, shall be forwarded to the relevant Income Tax authority.

Grievance Committee

• A district-level committee will handle grievances to prevent inconvenience to the public and genuine individuals.
• The committee comprises the district election office’s nodal officer for expenditure monitoring and the district treasury officer.
• It shall examine each case of seizure where no FIR/complaint has been filed, or where the seizure is not linked with any candidate, political party, or election campaign.

Return of Seized Cash

• The committee shall take immediate steps to return any cash seized, following the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) provided by the Election Commission.

These measures aim to ensure transparency and fairness in the handling of seized cash during elections, while minimising inconvenience to the public and genuine individuals

Loksabha election 2024 schedule

The 18th general elections will span 7 phases, with Lok Sabha elections for 543 seats conducted between April 19 and June 1. The first phase will involve 102 seats, while 89 constituencies will vote in 2 phases. The remaining phases will cover 94, 96, 57, and 57 seats, with polling taking place on the specified dates. 

Polling Dates:

Phase 1: April 19
Phase 2: April 26
Phase 3: May 7
Phase 4: May 13
Phase 5: May 20
Phase 6: May 25
Phase 7: June 1

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